Malappuram – famous for Mamankam festival and venue for Mappila revolts

Malappuram falls among the northern districts of Kerala and has an eventful history with the Zamorins of Kozhikode ruling the region for a significant period in the past. Bounded by the Nilgiri hills on the east, the Arabian sea on the west and Thrissur and Palakkad districts on the south, Malappuram is enriched by three great rivers flowing through it – the Chaliyar, the Kadalundi and the Bharathapuzha.

It was the military headquarters of the Zamorins of Kozhikode since ancient times. This district was the venue for many of the Mappila revolts.

Bharathapuzha, the second longest river in Kerala, flows by the southern border of the district and drains into the sea at Ponnani.

Malappuram is famous for Mamankam festival which holds the rich history of Malabar. Malappuram, in Malayalam, means ‘On top of the hills’.

Many examples of Indo-European architecture still exist in Malappuram.

The hill country has also contributed much to cultural heritage of Kerala. It was a famous centre for hindu-vedic learning and Islamic philosophy.

Tourist places in Malappuram

Jama-at Mosque – This is an important pilgrim centre of the muslims of Kerala. The four day annual festival at the mosque (Nercha) is celebrated in april. Adjoining the mosque is the mausoleum of the malappuram shaheeds (Martyrs)whose brave exploits have been immortalised in the Mappila ballads.

Thali Temple, Perinthalmanna – The temple is located about 3 kms west of angadipuram on the way to malappuram from perinthalmanna.

Nilambur – This is the original home of the cholainaickans, the oldest aboriginal tribe of kerala. The extensively forested land is well known for canoli’s plot the world’s oldest teak plantation and bamboo woods.

Tanur – The small coastal fishing town of tanur was one of the earliest settlements of the portuguese. It is belived that st. Francis xavier visited the place in 1546. About 3 km south of tanur town is keraladeshapuram temple, dedicated to lord vishnu and believed to be one of the oldest temples in kerala.

Kottakkal – 12 kms southwest of malappuram, this small town is home to the famed kottakkal arya vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of ayurveda, the traditional system of health and medicine, in kerala.

Kadampuzha Bhagavathy Temple – 2 km from Vettichira in Kozhikode-Thrissur highway attracts hundreds of devotees far and near. Dry coconut is the main offering before the deity.

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4. Raja Ravi Varma, famous Indian Painter
5. Sreesanth, famous cricketer to launch music band at Jtpac
6. Punnamada Kayal – lifeline of Alleppey and venue for Nehru Trophy Boat race
7. Iringal art & craft village venue for Sargaalaya Mela 2011, for the promotion of traditional art and craft
8. 10 day annual festival begins at Vamanamoorthy Temple in Thrikkakara, Ernakulam